Joe Rex Woods' Obituary
Joe was born at home, October 22, 1935, in Mineral Springs, Missouri to Francis J. and Evelyn R. Holliday Woods. His parents moved their young family of 5 children, to Oregon in "1941". After a short time in Fossil, they moved to the sawmill town of Kinzua. Joe attended Kinzua Elementary School, & graduated from Wheeler County High School, in Fossil.
While in High School, he played piano & trombone, in the band, as did his brothers, Jerry & Lonnie. They along with their Dad formed the "Woods Family Orchestra". They played for dances & musical events all over Wheeler County. Both sisters, Dixie & Patsy, were very talented playing the piano, also.
Joe enlisted in the Army, was stationed in Europe. He said, he soon found out, seeing these historical wonderful sites, wasn't as joyful, without someone to share them with.
He started college at "Pacific University" on a baseball scholarship; it was his goal to become an eye doctor, however when working to put himself through college, his spare job, turned in to a career, ending up a "Homicide Detective". He was well suited to, with his curious mind & easy going manner, with people. He had 5 years of Physiology, where he was very concerned with understanding & helping others. His career spanned 30 years, including acting as a hypnotist for Multnomah County, using it to solve cases.
He was a blessed man, with talents, in many areas, flying his own airplanes, was a definite lifelong passion. He landed right on his raspberry farm, which he was the largest grower in this county. Neighbors could see the lights from the raspberry picker at night, looked like a space mobile, with his German Sheppard dog, Rocky, on board, a retired police dog, who was a star in his own right.
Joe had his own restaurant "Joe's" early on, did some student teaching in English, and used that talent, to teach classes with his partner, Rod Englert, for the Police Dept.
After his divorce, he was introduced, by his attorney's office, Agnes Petersen, & Pauline Atchison, to Phyllis. It was love at first sight for both. They had a wedding that was so memorable, by all. So began over 23 years of love, adventure, best friends, working on many projects together, her beauty salons, "Ye Hair Parlors". They worked together & met the challenge of building "Woods Plaza" for her salon.
Joe also was on the planning commission at the court house, for 7 years, belonged to the Moose & Elks, where he could be found playing the piano. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home, boating, spending winters in AZ. He loved to be with family, friends, having dinners, celebrating holidays, always helping & encouraging others. His talents numerous, his heart always generous.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis Woods of Columbia City, Or ; Son Joe Woods, II of Coronado, CA; Daughter Lori Wills of Warren, OR; Honored Son Kyle Julius of Clarksville, TN; Honored Son Cary Julius of Tucson, AZ; Grandchildren, Tyler, Blake, Josh, Stephanie, Hailie, Nicholas, Dalton & Brandon; Great Grandchildren Demir & Leyla. Also precious, Brother Lonnie Woods of Vancouver, WA; Brother Jerry Woods of Chehalis, WA.; Sister Patsy Hoover of Fossil OR; Sister Dixie Pickering of Medford, OR.
He dearly loved his brother -in-law Bert Stein & sister-in-law Gail Stein of Hillsboro, OR; who faithfully helped care for him, during his 3 year battle with Open Heart Surgery & "Alzheimer's.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Renee Woods; his parents Francis & Evelyn Woods.
A"Candle light Celebration of Life", will be held at the Warren Community Fellowship Church, on December. 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. Pastor Gary Englert will be speaking, having grown up with Joe's children. We will feed you, if you help us feed others. Burial will be private, at a later time at Columbia Memorial Gardens. Everyone welcome. Please donate canned food or peanut butter. The Food Bank will have containers available, at the church. Please help donate, even if you cannot attend, knowing your caring will be appreciated & a great way to start the Christmas Holiday season. Any questions or assistance, Lisa Couch coordinator, will be available.
Online condolences can be made to the family at: www.columbiafh.com
Columbia Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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